Hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly for employees working outdoors or in hot indoor environments. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that there is no legal maximum workplace temperature in the UK, but employers have a legal duty to manage workplace risks and ensure temperatures remain reasonable and comfortable wherever possible. Factors which can contribute to heat stress are

• humidity
• physical workload
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• exposure to direct sunlight

All contribute to heat stress, making it essential for employers to carry out suitable risk assessments and implement appropriate control measures.

The HSE recommends several practical measures to reduce the risks of working in hot weather.

• Employers should provide plenty of cool drinking water
• encourage workers to drink regularly
• allow more frequent rest breaks in cooler or shaded areas
• where possible, schedule physically demanding tasks during the cooler parts of the day
• Good ventilation, the use of fans or air conditioning
• reducing exposure to direct sunlight can also help

Employees should be trained to recognise the early signs of heat stress, including dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, excessive thirst and fatigue, and know what action to take if a colleague becomes unwell.

At Milne Safety, we help businesses across Norfolk, Norwich, the East of England and throughout the UK protect their workforce through professional health and safety consultancy, workplace risk assessments and accredited training. Our experienced consultants can review your current procedures, assess the risks associated with hot weather working, and develop practical control measures that meet HSE guidance.